Esikeli Tonga facts for kids
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Personal information
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Esikeli Tonga | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 5 February 1988 Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Playing information
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 94 kg (14 st 11 lb) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Centre, Wing, Second-row | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Relatives | Willie Tonga (brother) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Esikeli Tonga, born on February 5, 1988, is a former professional rugby league player. He played for teams like the Gold Coast Titans, Parramatta Eels, and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in Australia's top league, the National Rugby League. He also represented the Tonga internationally. Esi Tonga often played as a three-quarter (like a centre or winger) or a second-rower. He is the younger brother of fellow rugby league player Willie Tonga.
Contents
Early Life and Background
Esikeli Tonga was born in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia. He has a mixed heritage, being of both Australian Aboriginal and Tongan descent.
In 2005, Esi finished his high school education. He graduated from Marsden State High School in Logan City, Queensland.
Rugby League Career Highlights
Esi Tonga began his professional rugby league journey with the Gold Coast Titans. He made his first big game appearance for the Titans in 2008. This debut was against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in round 12 of the 2008 NRL season.
International Representation
In August 2008, Tonga was chosen for the Tonga training squad. This was in preparation for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. Later, in October 2008, he was officially named in the final 24-man squad for the World Cup.
Time with Gold Coast Titans
During the 2009 NRL season, Tonga played in 16 games for the Gold Coast Titans. This was a successful year for the team, as they reached the finals for the very first time. Unfortunately, Esi Tonga was unable to play in the finals due to an injury.
He missed the entire 2010 NRL season because of his injury. However, he made a comeback in 2011. In that year, Tonga played 12 games for the Gold Coast. The team finished last on the ladder that season.
Moving to Other Clubs
For the 2012 NRL season, Esi Tonga joined the Parramatta Eels. He played only three games for the club that year. The Parramatta Eels also finished last on the table in 2012. This was the first time they had done so since 1972.
In 2013, Tonga moved to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. He made one appearance for the club before he was released. After this, he retired from professional rugby league.
